Five star Luton Town HC ladies enjoy success as men go down

Town’s new formation seemed to do the trick as braces from Rochelle Lewsey and Jordan Homann and a goal from Ella Dagnell moved them up to second place.

With a full complement the seconds defeated Bishop’s Stortford IVs 3-0 in Division Three thanks to some great teamwork and real determination.

Kerri Stinton and Kaitlyn Bright produced some great attacking work in the first half as Luton led through Leah O’Shaughnessy’s goal.

Town continued to attack and doubled their lead through Helen Beattie’s hit from the top of the D.

In the second half Luton continued to deny Stortford’s advances, while keeper Rosie Saxton produced a few great saves to keep a clean sheet.

And another break led to Luton’s third goal and O’Shaughnessy’s second.

Luton’s men suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Broxbourne in Division Two South of the East Men’s League.

Town were desperate to get back to winning ways after dropping four out of the available six points from the last two games, but started slowly.

Broxbourne on the other hand were determined to put their hammering at the hands of Chelmsford the previous week behind them and started with a vigour that the home side couldn’t contend with.

Broxbourne’s relentless pressure eventually paid dividends with the opening goal coming after several half clearances.

Kamikaze defending forced Alex Powell into two dramatic goal-line clearances and, buoyed by this, Luton’s Dan Shearer levelled the scores with a sublime reverse stick strike. But Broxbourne took the lead from a penalty corner with just two minutes of the first half remaining.

Broxbourne enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the second period despite being camped in their own half. And on a rare foray forward they made it 3-1 from a penalty corner with 15 minutes to go.

With time ticking, Luton hit back as a short corner hit a defender’s foot on the line and, after some deliberation from the two men in yellow, a penalty flick was awarded.

Graham Bright stepped up to thunder the ball home from the spot, but Broxbourne defended in numbers to hold out for victory.

After two defeats on the trot, Luton go to Royston this week.

Luton IIs triumphed 5-2 at Stevanage IIs in Division Four South West, while the thirds won 2-1 at MBDA (British Aerospace) in Division Seven South West.

Both teams had plenty of scoring chances, but it was Luton who finally came out on top thanks to goals from Jamie Gustard and youngster Robert Shearer, in his first full senior season.

The fourths, meanwhile, lost a tight game 1-0 at home to Bedford Vs in Division Seven South West.

Bedford scored the winner on the break with Luton’s midfield caught upfield from their own attack.

Town continued to press, while Bedford’s dangerous forwards and supportive midfield threatened to add to their tally. Luton’s attacking down the right hand side was their biggest threat, but Bedford’s defence and keeper held firm to the end.